Alley Beautification

For those of us who live in the city and who are fortunate enough to have back alley access to a parking space or garage, we tend to regard our alleys as avenues to park our cars.  While we spend so much time making our front yards presentable and inviting for all to see, the alley often times experiences great neglect in aesthetic appeal. 

If you have ever seen an alley done right, you might recall garden enthusiasts getting creative with old winding alleys filled with plants and flowers, creating a romantic pathway and a photographer’s dream.   In cities with limited outdoor space, determined gardeners demonstrate their outdoor expression by exhibiting beautification around every corner; in alleys, on steps, in every nook and cranny available.

If you think about it, many people drive past the alley, particularly our dear neighbors as they access their garages.  Why not take time to put out some low water plants to enhance the beauty of the area?   

The gentrification of this space catches the attention of people who pass by and warms the outdoor space for all to see.  In my experience, since beginning an ally beautification project, it brings together neighbors from the other side of the alley.  People go out of their way to stop and tell us how much they have enjoyed watching our planters grow.  This unexpected trend is contagious and inspiring to others.

           The alley can often times be a place of functionality for trash pick up and car storage, not to mention where garbage and weeds roams free.  Improving the look and feel of the alley has changed the way our neighbors view the space.   If we begin to look at our alley as more than just a means of transportation to and from the garage, we begin to improve the look and feel of the neighborhood all the way around the property, giving a whole new meaning to the term curb appeal.